Digital upgrade system and method

ABSTRACT

Digital upgrade system and method for translating analog commands and digital commands in wireless customer services premises equipment (CPE). The digital upgrade system receives a command from a CPE Host and translates the command from analog to digital in order to broadcast it over a wireless digital network to be received by a client. Alternatively, the digital upgrade system receives a digital command from a digital network and translates it to an analog command to be received by a functionality module of a wireless CPE Host.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

The present invention claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/804,199, filed on May 17,2007, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,680,471), which is hereby fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method forprolonging the useful life of wireless data products during periods oftransition from one form of wireless transfer technology to a differentwireless transfer technology. More particularly described, the presentinvention comprises a software or hardware upgrade that allows awireless data product affected by a transition from analog wirelesstransport technology to upgrade to digital wireless transporttechnology.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) product implementations for currentwireless data systems typically utilize an integrated assemblage ofcomponents that function cohesively, from the customer's perspective, asa single entity. Such multi-component products are typically housedwithin a single enclosure and deployed as a single product. Allcomponents are mutually interdependent upon each other and upon theunderlying wireless data transport service technology that conveys thedata transmitted and received between the CPE product and centralizedhost computer servers of the service. Thus, when a fundamental technicalchange occurs in one of the elements comprising such a product, or inthe underlying wireless data transport service, the entire CPE productoften becomes worthless until it can be completely redesigned. The costsof a rapid product redesign and service disruption while waiting fordeployment of newly developed versions of the product would be excessiveand prohibitive. Accordingly, there presently exists a need in the artfor a software or hardware transition technology that can be interfacedwith legacy CPE wireless data equipment in order to upgrade theequipment to allow it to interface with new wireless data transporttechnologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The digital upgrade system can prolong the life of CPE wireless dataproducts when presented with fundamental technical changes to theproduct's operating environment that would otherwise render the productinoperable or having limited utility. By way of a representativeexample, the subject technology will allow wireless data products, suchas the “1650” wireless device, marketed by or on behalf of NumerexCorp., to be upgraded to handle digital cellular telephone services,such as the digital Short Message Service (SMS).

The digital upgrade system may comprise a digital radio transceiver forcommunicating signals via a digital wireless network, each of thesignals compatible with a digital wireless data transport, and asoftware module connected to the digital radio transceiver. According toan exemplary embodiment, the software module may receive a digitalcommand output by the digital radio transceiver; translate the digitalcommand into an analog command compatible with an analog data transportassociated with the analog wireless data device; and output the analogcommand for processing by the analog wireless data device. These andother features of the present invention will be illustrated through thedetailed description and drawings found herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment for aconventional wireless data product deployed on a customer's premises.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are block diagrams illustrating an exemplaryoperating environment for a digital upgrade system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of adigital upgrade system.

FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method forimplementing a digital upgrade system.

FIG. 5 is a state diagram illustrating an exemplary method forimplementing a digital upgrade system.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are logical flow diagrams illustrating exemplary methodsfor implementing a digital upgrade system.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numerals representlike elements as noted in the several figures. FIG. 1 illustrates a CPEHost 105 utilizing a conventional analog radio transmitter 120 receivingdata from a data service provider 145 through a client server 150. Inthis configuration, the CPE Host 105 is located remote from the client140, although the CPE Host 105 could also be local to the client 140. Asillustrated, the data product functionality module 110 (i.e., signalprocessing function) of the CPE Host 105 corresponds with the analogradio 120 to transmit information over the network control channelwireless transport 130 through a network link 125. The functionalitymodule 110 comprises the logic that enables the particular applicationto utilize wireless data. For example, the functionality module 110 mayenable a security alarm function, a vehicle location service, or anequipment operation monitor, among other functions. It should also beunderstood that the functionality module 110 may incorporate externalinterfaces that are not shown in the exemplary embodiments containedherein. Such interfaces may include, but are not limited to, door orwindow sensors, GPS locations, and speed sensors. In any of these cases,it is the logic program within the functionality module 110 thatcustomizes the product application with the other parts of the wirelessCPE Host 105.

When the wireless transport 130 receives data from the CPE Host 105, ittransports the data to the data service provider 145 throughcommunication link 135. Once receiving the data, the data serviceprovider 145 can communicate with the client server 155 through acommunication link 150. Thus, according to FIG. 1, the CPE Host 105 andclient 140 are both in an environment where wireless data transportoccurs over an analog network. Accordingly, if the client 140 and thecontrol channel wireless data transport 130 are upgraded to digitalcommunication protocol, such as Cellemetry® SMS, the analog radio 120and the data product functionality module 110 of the CPE Host 105 wouldno longer be able to communicate with the rest of the network (e.g., thedigital wireless data transport). Hence, in this conventional network,the entire CPE Host 105 would need to be upgraded if the wirelessnetwork 130 and client 140 were upgraded.

FIG. 2A illustrates an operating environment for a digital upgradesystem 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. If, for example, adigital SMS wireless data transport 210 replaces the conventional analogtransport 130 (as depicted in FIG. 1), the digital upgrade system 200can be utilized at the CPE Host 105 to continue to operate with thefunctionality module 110 over communication link 115. When the digitalupgrade system 200 is installed in the CPE Host 105, as illustrated inFIG. 2A, the functionality module 110 can then communicate with theclient 225 over the digital wireless data transport 210 as it had donepreviously with the analog radio transceiver 120 and analog network 130(as depicted in FIG. 1). The service provider 230 can communicate withserver 240 over communication link 235. The host computer server 240 ofthe client 225 may comprise a data service provider 230 and a clientserver 240. The client 225 would typically be the provider of theapplication to the end customers utilizing the wireless data customerpremise product. Communication link 235 represents the link between thedata service provider 230 and the client server 240. Typicallycommunication link 235 would be a communication circuit such as a modem,private line, telephony network, or the Internet.

To accomplish the digital upgrade capabilities, the digital upgradesystem 200 can comprise a software module 245 and digital radio module255, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, the digital upgradesystem 200 can comprise a joint digital radio and software module 260,as illustrated in FIG. 2C. The software module 245 is capable oftranslating commands or messages between a legacy CPE Host 105 and thedigital radio module 255. The digital radio module 255, in turn, cancommunicate with a digital radio network, such as an SMS network.According to an exemplary embodiment, the software module 245 anddigital radio module 255 (or combined software module and digital radio260) have linear dimensions and a configuration similar to that of theanalog radio transmitter 120 that it is replacing. That is, according toan exemplary embodiment, the digital upgrade system 200 fits within thepre-existing form factor of the analog wireless data device that it isdesigned to replace.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the digital upgrade system 200 can beintegrated upon a new circuit board 300 that has the same factory pinsfor the host as the original analog radio transceiver 120 (asillustrated in FIG. 1). Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment ofthe digital upgrade system 200, a pin connection on host 330 connectswith a pin 305 of the new circuit board 300. Interface requirements andinteraction protocol of the new digital radio will be profoundlydifferent from those of the analog radio transceiver. Therefore, thepurpose of the software module is to translate the protocol from thatutilized by the previous analog module to that required by the newdigital radio. The software translation permits the data protocolproducts functionality module to continue using the original protocoloriginally utilized by the previous analog radio. The purpose of theinterconnecting wiring, which is physically part of the circuit 300, isto translate the physical wiring from that utilized by the previousanalog module to that required by the new digital radio. Therefore, asillustrated, the pin header 305 fits precisely within the original pinconnection 330 on the CPE Host 105 host. Despite fitting perfectly withthe old analog pin connection 330, the pin header 305 connects to a newdigital protocol converter 310. One exemplary embodiment is representedby an AMPS analog to SMS digital converter.

The digital protocol converter 310, in general, translates the analogsignals that are expected by the CPE Host 105 to digital signals thatcan be communicated across the new digital network 210 (as illustratedin FIG. 2). The digital protocol converter 310 then connects with a SNTheader plug 315, which connects to a digital radio chip 320 andultimately to an antenna 325. The antenna 325 is a digital antenna thatcan send and receive digital data through the digital SMS wireless datatransport 210 (as illustrated in FIG. 2), thus allowing the CPE Host 105and functionality module 110 to communicate with the new digitalcomponents 210, 230, 240, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Because the pinconnection host 330 is not changed to connect to the pin header 305, theoriginal design of the functionality module 110 of the customer servicesequipment is not altered, but is preserved. For this representativeupdate task, the only piece that is required to be removed from the CPEHost 105 is the analog radio transceiver 120, which is replaced by thedigital upgrade system 200.

Now turning to FIG. 4, an exemplary method for converting a signal fromAMPS analog to SMS digital service is illustrated. It is noted that thisis one of many embodiments of utilizing the digital upgrade system 200.It is envisioned that the digital upgrade system 200 can perform anyanalog to digital wireless protocol conversion, as required by thespecific implementation.

The digital upgrade system 200 sits between an analog host and thedigital network antenna. Besides the mechanical inter-connects required,the functionality of analog and digital network protocols is uniquelydifferent. For example, the older AMPS 1650 product, marketed by NumerexCorp., uses a proprietary protocol which is embedded within firmware.This protocol is based on the older technique of using the forward andback call set-up channels for small burst telemetry payloads,independent of the normal cellular traffic. As such, issues such asswitch information (SIDs etc.), timing, and data payload (only 32 bits)are essential to the proper operation of the data transport mechanism.

Thus, the digital upgrade system 200 comprises a “protocol translator”to translate analog to digital commands and vice versa. In alternativeexemplary embodiments, this protocol translator is implemented using:(1) a separate microprocessor and program; or (2) application softwareembedded in the radio itself, such as Open AT. Open AT is a conceptwhich allows unused MIPS and Flash in a radio to be used for userprograms (such as the converter routines).

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the converter of thedigital upgrade system 200 translates a command/message (i.e., signal)that is expected by the functionality module 110 of the customerservices premise device 105 (as illustrated in FIG. 2A). Accordingly, atstep 425, a digital command is received from the digital network 220. Atstep 430, the digital signal is mapped to an analog signal. In anexemplary embodiment, an SMS digital signal is mapped to an AMPS messageby translating the protocol for the expected recipient of the message.This is done by using a mapping feature of each network so that thedigital upgrade system 200 responds appropriately upon a poll from thedigital network or the CPE Host 105.

Table 1 below illustrates an exemplary interrelation mapping table thatcan be used to translate commands that are received by the digitalupgrade system 200 from a digital network.

TABLE 1 Command Name Process Description A Initialize Mode Resets themicroprocessor (PIC) and clears all variables. NO RESPONSE B PollingQuery PIC responds with data, if there is any. Requests for informationare sent to the PIC and responses are returned on the polling query.RESPOND AS REQUIRED C Set Default Id Sets the default MIN within the PICupon exit from the initialization. NO RESPONSE D Software Version QueryRequest PIC Software Version ID RESPOND AS REQUIRED E Send Data RequestPIC to Send Message via Radio. RESPOND AS REQUIRED F Reset Radio PIC toSend Reset to Digital Radio NO RESPONSE G Store Polling/Trigger Msg PICto store the message in a message mask Mask NO RESPONSE H Read MessageMask Request from PIC the mask at a location RESPOND AS REQUIRED I ClearAll Message Masks PIC clears all masks NO RESPONSE J Enable/DisableMessage PIC enables message masks Masking NO RESPONSE K Enable/DisableMessage PIC enables message passing Passing NO RESPONSE L Service StatusQuery Request PIC to return status of cellular service RESPOND ASREQUIRED

Upon receiving the command, the response is determined based on thecorresponding digital command that is required by the specificimplementation of the digital network. For example, if an analog commandB is received, which represents a polling query, the digital upgradesystem 200 will respond if it contains responsive data, or otherwisewill translate the query to be transmitted to the network.

As illustrated in Table 1, a message or command intended for a wirelessdata device may be determined by utilizing a mobile identificationnumber (MIN) and, in certain instances, message masks. Accordingly,according to one exemplary embodiment, the digital upgrade system 200(or the digital radio transceiver) may utilize a MIN and mask todetermine the commands broadcast over a network intended for thewireless data device. Processes for determining commands sent over adigital network by using a MIN and mask are more fully described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,794,144; 5,873,043; 6,311,056; and 6,738,647, which arehereby incorporated herein by reference.

Similar to Table 1, Table 2 below illustrates an exemplary translationtable that can be used to translate commands received from a CPE Host tobe transmitted to the digital upgrade system 200.

TABLE 2 Command Name Process Description A Software Version PIC respondswith software version. Response Requires a “Polling Query” to respond BSend Data Response This command response is returned upon the receipt ofa HOST command “Send Data”. The received data is packaged and sent tothe Digital Radio, such as the module 255 (or 260). Requires a “PollingQuery” to respond C Power On Message Unsolicited response message onstartup. PIC must startup and pass internal diagnostics (if any).Digital Radio must send initialization messages to PIC showing startup.Then PIC sends AT command to Digital Radio to ensure it is operational.PIC sends responses to HOST on power-up. NOTE: This message does NOTrequire a “Polling Query” D Read Message Response PIC responds withmessage mask Requires a “Polling Query” to respond E Service StatusResponse PIC Responds with appropriate network Requires a “PollingQuery” to respond F Service Unavailable This command response isreturned upon the receipt of a HOST command “Service Status Query”, theDigital Radio changes from operational to not available, failed, orservice is not available. Uses MP flag Requires a “Polling Query” torespond G Service Available/Service This command response is returnedupon the receipt of a Status HOST command “Service Status Query”, theDigital Radio changes from not available to fully operational andcommunicating. Uses MP flag Requires a “Polling Query” to respond HReceived Polling/Trigger This command response is returned upon thereceipt of a Msg HOST command “Polling Query” and one of the masks wasmarked as matching. A matching mask occurs when default MIN or one ofthe MINs are matched from an incoming call. If multiple masks matched,then multiple messages are returned to the Host. Requires a “PollingQuery” to respond

Once the commands are mapped from analog to digital at step 410, or fromdigital to analog at step 430, the new command that is to be transmittedis formatted for the digital protocol at step 415 or the analog protocolat 435 and then delivered to the proper recipient (i.e., CEP host ordigital network). For example, for a digital command that is to beoutput to a CPE Host 105, the digital command is mapped to a digitalcommand at step 430, formatted properly at step 435, and then output tothe CPE Host 105 at step 440 for use by the CPE Host's functionalitymodule 110 (not illustrated in FIG. 4). Similarly, working in theopposite direction, if the analog CPE Host 105 transmits a message thatis intended to be broadcast over the digital network, the digitalupgrade system 200 will receive the analog command from the host at step405. In turn, the digital upgrade system 200 can map the analog commandto a digital command at step 420—according to the interrelation tableprogrammed for that specific CPE Host functionality module 110. At step415, the digital upgrade system 200 formats the message so that it canbe properly sent over the digital network at step 420.

In the case of a command entering or leaving the digital upgrade system200, errors may occur. If an error occurs when the digital command isbeing mapped to an analog command, the error is immediately reportedback to the digital network at step 415. That is, an error message isformatted for digital delivery and then transmitted back to the clientover the digital network as step 420. Likewise, if an analog commandcannot be successfully mapped to a digital command at step 410, an errormessage is generated and formatted for analog protocol at step 435 andthen transmitted to the CPE Host 105 at step 440.

FIG. 5 illustrates a state machine for implementing the digital upgradesystem 200, according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated atstate 505, a main state process is initialized to begin the translationprocess. This state is temporary and occurs only once. It initializessoftware components, variables, restores stored information, and ensuresthe health of the digital upgrade system.

Once initialization is complete, the digital upgrade system 200 enters amain state process at state 510 awaits a CPE Host 105 or digital commandpoll (i.e., an indication that a command is awaiting to be forwarded).The main state process comprises the interrelation table that maps theanalog commands to the respective digital commands. If the CPE Host 105polls the main state process, then state 515 a is entered, whichsignifies that an analog command has been transmitted to the main stateprocess. This state is completed when a complete message has arrivedfrom the CPE Host 105.

After receiving the poll, the digital upgrade system 200 translates theanalog command that has been transmitted and determines whether acorresponding digital command exists for the analog command. If acorresponding digital command does not exist, or a hardware or softwarefailure occurs, the digital upgrade system 200 enters an error handlingstate at state 520 a and sends an error back to the CPE Host 105 to letthe host know that an error has been encountered and that it needs tore-send the command or try a different command. In this state, if theinformation can be obtained locally (data contained within the PICMiniPlug 315, as illustrated in FIG. 3), then a response message isbuilt and placed within the transmit buffer to the CPE Host 105.However, if the information must be obtained from a host such as adigital radio, then the request message is queued to the CPE Host 105 instate 520 b. This state will then prompt a transmission to be sent onthe digital network to retrieve response for the query message sent fromthe CPE Host 105.

Similarly at state 515 b, a digital network may poll the main stateprocess by transmitting a digital command to the CPE Host 105, which isfirst translated by the digital upgrade system 200. As with the analogcommand, the digital upgrade system 200 attempts to map the digitalcommand to a corresponding analog command. If the mapping state issuccessful, then the command will be processed and output at state 520b. However, if the digital command cannot be translated to an analogcommand, then the error handling unit 520 a will send a digital errormessage back to the digital poll at state 515 b.

FIG. 6 a illustrates a method for translating digital commands to analogcommands; FIG. 6 b illustrates a method for translating analog commandsto digital commands, according to exemplary embodiments. As illustratedin FIG. 6 a, a control module (i.e., software module 245) fortranslating received commands/messages is initialized at FIG. 605 a. Atstep 610 a, the digital upgrade system 200 awaits a digital poll. Whenthe poll for a command is received at step 615 a, the command istranslated from the received digital command to a corresponding analogcommands at 620 a. If there is an error in conversion at 625 a, then amessage is sent back to the digital sender (e.g., client) at step 635 a.If an error occurs, the control module then returns to await digital apoll state at step 610 a. If an error is not detected during translationof the digital command at step 625 a, then the message is translated tothe analog command. The converted message is then transmitted to the CPEanalog wireless data device (i.e., CPE Host 105) at step 630 a forfurther processing by its functionality module 110.

In FIG. 6 b, the control module awaits a host poll at step 610 b. If apoll is received at 615 b, then the command is attempted to betranslated to a digital command at step 620 b. As with the digitalconversion, if an error is detected in converting the analog command atstep 625 b, the error is reported to the analog wireless data device atstep 635 b. Otherwise, if there is no error, then the converted messageis transmitted to the digital network and ultimately to the digitalclient at step 630 b.

Accordingly, by using the inventive digital upgrade system 200, theotherwise outdated customer premises equipment can be replaced with adigital upgrade without having to replace the entire equipment. In thisway, resources can be conserved by only replacing obsolete analogsoftware modules and radios with the digital upgrade system 200presented herein.

In a preferred yet exemplary embodiment, the digital upgrade system 200can replace an analog radio used in the Numerex Corp.'s “1650” modeldevice. Specifically, the analog radio can be removed from the equipmentand replaced with the digital upgrade system 200. For example, the“CMM-7700”, marketed by or on behalf of Numerex Corp. and used in theNumerex “1650”, may be replaced by the digital upgrade system 200. Inthis way, the digital upgrade system 200 can allow the Numerex “1650”model device to continue to operate by interfacing with the newCellemetry® SMS digital network.

An example of the application of this invention and its exemplaryembodiment would be with wireless data products, such as Numerex Corp.'s“1650”. The “1650” device relies on analog control channel datatransports. With the advent of Numerex's Cellemetry® Data Service dataservice, the “1650” device must transition from analog to digital SMS.In this case, the analog control channel data transport radiotransceiver can be removed from the product and replaced with a SMScapable radio transceiver and a software module to translate interfacerequirements of the analog control channel data transport radiotransceiver to and from the interface requirements of the SMS radiotransceiver. In this way, the legacy portion of the wireless dataproduct will continue to operate as if it were communicating with ananalog control channel data transport radio transceiver when, in fact,it is actually communicating with a SMS radio transceiver using adifferent protocol. It should be noted that the software translationsoftware could reside within an SMS radio transceiver or it could alsobe implemented as a separate physical module.

The following describes the representative interface requirements of thedigital upgrade system to CPE Host interface in a “1650” device,according to an exemplary embodiment. Communications with the CPE Hostare in a binary format with a fixed framework consisting of: 1 byteStart character; 1 byte data length; (n) bytes of data; and 1 bytechecksum.

At the start of the communications process, an attention command isechoed between the CPE Host and the digital upgrade systemmicroprocessor. This establishes the communication connection. Uponreceipt, the attention command is echoed back to the CPE Host by thedigital upgrade system. Upon receipt of the command the subsequentreceived characters are organized into a message. Any character notpreceded with a “Start of Text” framework is ignored. If the message isa data message (no data), the message includes length, data, and achecksum. The data portion of the message is typically between 0 and 253bytes.

To process an incoming message, the command/message is interrogated todetermine the processing required. Command processing includes thefollowing: valid fully supported command, respond as required; supportedcommand to be ignored; and unsupported command, NAK returned. Fullysupported commands are checked for security level. If the security levelis valid processing continues; otherwise, a NAK is returned to the CPEHost. After passing security, processing continues based on the commandtype.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the digitalupgrade system has been presented only for the purposes of illustrationand description and is not intended to be exhaustive or the limit thedigital upgrade system to the precise embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.The embodiments described herein were chosen in order to explain theprinciples of the digital upgrade system and their practical applicationso as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the digital upgradesystem in various embodiments and with various modifications suited totheir particular use.

1. A digital upgrade system for an analog wireless data device having ananalog signal processing function, comprising: a digital radiotransceiver for communicating signals via a digital wireless network,each of the signals compatible with a digital wireless data transport;and a software module, functionally connected to the digital radiotransceiver, for performing the steps of: receiving a digital commandoutput by the digital radio transceiver, the digital command carried byone of the signals compatible with the digital wireless data transportand received by the digital radio transceiver; translating the digitalcommand into an analog command compatible with an analog data transportassociated with the analog wireless data device; and outputting theanalog command for processing by the analog wireless data device,wherein the digital radio transceiver and the software module aredesigned to replace a corresponding analog radio transceiver of theanalog wireless data device.
 2. The digital upgrade system of claim 1,wherein the software module interfaces with the analog wireless datadevice substantially in the same manner as the analog radio transceiverpreviously interfaced with the analog wireless data device.
 3. Thedigital upgrade system of claim 1, wherein each of the digital wirelesssignals comprises a SMS digital-formatted message.
 4. The digitalupgrade system of claim 3, wherein the software module translates theSMS digital-formatted message to an AMPS analog-formatted message. 5.The digital upgrade system of claim 1, wherein the software module anddigital radio transceiver are integrated within a single unit for use inthe analog wireless data device.
 6. The digital upgrade system of claim1, wherein the software module further performs the steps of: receivingan analog command from the analog wireless data device; translating theanalog command into a digital command compatible with the digital radiotransceiver; and outputting the digital command to the digital radiotransceiver for transmission as one of the digital wireless signals viathe digital wireless data transport.
 7. The digital upgrade system ofclaim 1, wherein the digital radio transceiver uses a MIN to determinethe command received over the digital wireless network.
 8. The digitalupgrade system of claim 1, wherein the software module uses a MIN todetermine the command received over the digital wireless network.
 9. Adigital upgrade system for prolonging the useful life of wireless dataproducts, comprising: a printed circuit board, the printed boardcomprising: interconnecting wiring; a digital radio transceiver forcommunicating signals via a digital wireless network, each of thesignals compatible with a digital wireless data transport; and amicroprocessor operable to translate a digital command carried by one ofthe signals communicated via the digital wireless network into an analogcommand to be processed by the analog wireless data device, wherein themicroprocessor performs the steps of: receiving the digital command fromthe digital radio transceiver, the digital command obtained by thedigital radio transceiver in response to processing one of the signalscompatible with the digital wireless data transport; translating thedigital command into an analog command compatible with an analogwireless data transport associated with the analog wireless data device;and outputting the analog command to the analog wireless data device.10. The digital upgrade system of claim 9, the printed board furthercomprising a pin header that fits substantially within a form-fitpre-existing pin connection on the analog wireless data device.
 11. Thedigital upgrade system of claim 9, wherein the digital command comprisesan SMS message and the analog signal comprises an AMPS message.
 12. Amethod for translating a digital command compatible with a digitalwireless network for processing by an analog wireless data device,comprising the steps of: replacing an analog radio transceiver of theanalog wireless data device with the combination of a digital radiotransceiver and a software module; obtaining the digital command inresponse to processing a signal received by the digital radiotransceiver via the digital wireless network, the signal compatible witha digital wireless data transport; translating at the software modulethe digital command into an analog command compatible with an analogdata transport associated with the analog wireless data device; andoutputting the analog command from the software module for processing bythe analog wireless data device.
 13. The digital upgrade system of claim12, wherein the digital command comprises an SMS message.
 14. Thedigital upgrade system of claim 12, wherein the digital command istranslated to an AMPS message.
 15. A method for prolonging the usefullife of an analog wireless data device, comprising the steps of:replacing an analog radio transceiver of the analog wireless data devicewith a component comprising a digital radio transceiver and a softwaremodule, the component operative to perform the steps of: obtaining thedigital command in response to processing a signal received by thedigital radio transceiver via a digital wireless network, the signalcompatible with a digital wireless data transport; using the softwaremodule to translate the digital command into an analog commandcompatible with the analog wireless data device; and outputting theanalog command from the software module for processing by the analogwireless data device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the digitalcommand comprises an SMS message.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe software module translates the SMS message to an AMPS message. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein the digital radio transceiver uses amask and MIN number to determine the command received over the wirelessdata transport.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the stepsof: receiving at the software module an analog command from the analogwireless data device; using the software module to translate the analogcommand into a digital command compatible with the digital radiotransceiver; and outputting the digital command to the digital radiotransceiver for communication via the digital wireless data transport.20. The method of claim 15, wherein the component comprising the digitalradio transceiver and the software module is configured to fit within apre-existing form factor of the analog wireless data device.